Sancho is so flighty
JOE GOMEZ says he feels blessed to be part of something special at Liverpool, but promised fans there is more to come.
Incredibly, the England centre-half, 23, has completed five years at the club, making him one of the longest-serving players in the title-chasing squad.
And, despite a string of honours that should shortly be swelled by the Premier League trophy, he believes there is more to come from a young side that appreciates the atmosphere and feeling of family that boss Jurgen Klopp has created.
He said: “Coming back into training after the lockdown really gave me perspective of how much of a blessing it is to be a part of this club. To be involved in this set-up is something to be thankful for.
“To be a part of some of the memories that have been created here already over the past five years, and just being a part of the city and the club is special.
“It’s become home, my son was born here and I am getting to raise a family. To be a part of such a special club, for me the best in the world in the sense of the community, the fanbase – for that, I’ve got to give thanks.”
Gomez (right, lifting Champions League trophy) was signed in 2015 by Brendan Rodgers, who used him out of position at left-back as the team struggled to assert the title aspirations shown a year earlier.
Rodgers was sacked just a couple of months later, and Gomez was injured as Klopp was appointed – ruled out for more than a year with a serious cruciate ligament injury.
Since then, though, he has emerged as a Liverpool and England regular at centre-half and he believes that, after winning the Champions League, European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup all in the same year, it is merely the beginning of big things at Anfield.
Gomez added: “Hopefully, it is just the start of the journey – five years is a pretty decent length of time, but I hope it is just the opening chapters of what can be many more years here.
“It’s had its ups and downs, but I’m so grateful to be at this club and to be coming into my fifth year is something I definitely appreciate.
“It has definitely been special times and I have grown a lot here.
“I’ve done most of my growing up as an adult, coming here at 18. I’ve learned so much about the club and about the city. It’s been a pleasure.”
JADON SANCHO was dropped by Borussia Dortmund after flying to England during lockdown.
The England star annoyed Dortmund by travelling home without permission. Pictures were also posted online of Sancho, 20, having his hair cut alongside team-mates without using the recommended face mask.
Dortmund value Sancho at £120million and he was widely expected to leave Germany this summer, with Manchester United favourites to sign him.
But coronavirus has left that deal in doubt and it may be delayed for a year.
Sancho was only a substitute when Dortmund resumed their fixtures.